Planning Your Move: Physical House Change

Zooming in on the specifics: where you want to live, and what is important to you when it comes to your new home?

Make a List

Before you set out on your search for the perfect house, it is important that you make a realistic shopping list which will refine your property search. Hunting for a home can be time-consuming enough as it is, but especially if you have not already determined your search parameters!

If there are two of you, or a whole family, it’s imperative to work together on your shopping list. Even if you and your spouse tend to like the same things, you may prefer different locations, have different commutes, and have different ideas on what comprises a ‘must-have’ when it comes to features like flooring and layout. Those differences can translate into some heavy-duty emotional baggage that should be dealt with before you drag it physically into the homes you visit.

Wants vs. Needs

Many home buyers make the mistake of misinterpreting a ‘want’ as a ‘need’. As a result, they often dismiss great homes and embrace less-than-suitable ones. Of course, you can have what you desire in your home – you just have to be able to differentiate between what you truly need and what you would like to have! Your budget might turn out to be the deciding factor between certain needs and wants, or these might be determined by location.

Examples of NEEDS

Examples of WANTS

Square footage needed for comfortable living

Carpeting colour, paint colours

Sufficient bedrooms to accommodate your family now and in the future

Pool or landscaping design

Adequate number of bathrooms

Wood floors

Garage or basement for storage needs

Fireplace

Lot size to accommodate children’s play area

Built-in home theatre

Wheelchair accessibility

Brass lighting fixtures

Proximity to good schools

Skylights

A nice view

Specific brand/types of appliances

If you’re a couple, each of you can fill out your own chart or list of needs and wants. Next, compare notes to come up with a single list that you can use as you begin to evaluate homes. The goal is to find a house that includes all of your needs and as many of your wants as possible. Once you have a clearer view of what your house absolutely needs to have, picking the right home will be much easier!

Jamie’s Neighborhoods

North Toronto is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods, as it combines quiet residential life with vibrant shopping, and recreational opportunities.

Testimonials

Jamie always make us feel like we were a priority and I was very grateful both for his skills and for his consideration. There is no question that I would highly recommend Jamie to anyone.
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